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Journal of the American Veterinary... May 2022Investigate long-term complications, survival times, general health and quality of life (QoL) outcomes, and longevity in female dogs and cats (bitches and queens,...
OBJECTIVE
Investigate long-term complications, survival times, general health and quality of life (QoL) outcomes, and longevity in female dogs and cats (bitches and queens, respectively) following hospital discharge after ovariohysterectomy (OHE) for pyometra.
ANIMALS
306 pet-owner-completed surveys and corresponding medical records for 234 bitches and 72 queens treated with OHE for pyometra at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Animal Hospital between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2019.
PROCEDURES
A telephone and online survey was conducted to gather data about pet owners' perception of pet health and QoL following OHE for pyometra, and potential associations between survey results and medical record data were evaluated. Median survival time at a given age at OHE for pyometra was calculated with the use of maximum likelihood estimation of a survival-time regression model.
RESULTS
72 of the 121 (60%) eligible owners of queens and 234 of the 390 (60%) eligible owners of bitches completed the survey. Most owners reported that at the time of the survey, their pet's health and QoL were better or the same as before pyometra. Reported health and QoL outcomes were similar for pets > 8 versus ≤ 8 years of age.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Our findings indicated that bitches and queens undergoing OHE for pyometra at older ages and without other severe health issues can expect to live their full life span. Veterinarians in private practice could expect similar outcomes.
Topics: Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Female; Hospitals; Longevity; Patient Discharge; Pyometra; Quality of Life
PubMed: 35290207
DOI: 10.2460/javma.20.12.0714 -
Journal of the American Veterinary... May 2022To determine the rate of survival to hospital discharge and identify indicators associated with poor outcomes among female dogs (bitches) with pyometra treated with...
OBJECTIVE
To determine the rate of survival to hospital discharge and identify indicators associated with poor outcomes among female dogs (bitches) with pyometra treated with ovariohysterectomy (OHE) in a nonspecialized setting.
ANIMALS
405 bitches diagnosed with pyometra at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Animal Hospital from January 1, 2017, to February 8, 2019.
PROCEDURES
For this retrospective study, medical records were searched and data collected including patient history, clinical signs, serum biochemical analyses results, and outcome (survival to hospital discharge, length of hospital stay, and uterine rupture). Logistic regression models were used to assess multivariable associations and identify potential predictive variables.
RESULTS
The rate of survival to hospital discharge for bitches with pyometra treated with OHE was 97% (394/405); 44% (174/394) stayed in the hospital ≥ 2 nights, and 3% (11/390) had a ruptured uterus. Bitches with a high BUN concentration or heart murmur had greater odds of death after OHE; however, the model had low predictive power. Those with uterine rupture, inappetence, high concentrations of BUN or serum creatinine, low PCV, or dehydration had greater odds of hospitalization ≥ 2 nights. There were no significant predictors of uterine rupture.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
The rate of survival to hospital discharge was high for bitches with pyometra treated with OHE in a nonspecialized setting; therefore, general practitioners could expect similar outcomes. With this important procedure widely available in general practices, more pets can receive treatment for this life-threatening disease.
Topics: Animals; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Female; Prognosis; Pyometra; Retrospective Studies; Uterine Rupture
PubMed: 35290206
DOI: 10.2460/javma.20.12.0713 -
Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery Mar 2022Cats are common pets worldwide. Successful breeding of cats starts with the selection of suitable breeding animals, and care should be taken to avoid inbreeding. Keeping... (Review)
Review
PRACTICAL RELEVANCE
Cats are common pets worldwide. Successful breeding of cats starts with the selection of suitable breeding animals, and care should be taken to avoid inbreeding. Keeping cats in smaller groups reduces stress and facilitates management.
CLINICAL CHALLENGES
Breeding cats is challenging in many ways. Group housing is a common scenario, and care should be taken not to have groups that are too large, because of the risk of stress and infectious diseases. Feline pregnancy and parturition both vary in length, which is one reason why it may be challenging to diagnose dystocia. In queens with pyometra, a vaginal discharge may not be evident due to their meticulous cleaning habits.
AUDIENCE
This review is aimed at clinicians in small animal practice, especially those in contact with cat breeders.
PATIENT GROUP
Reproductive emergencies occur in both intentionally and unintentionally bred cats, and more often in young or middle-aged queens. Pyometra tends to be a disease of older queens.
EVIDENCE BASE
Evidence is poor for many conditions in the breeding queen, and information is extrapolated from the dog or based on case reports and case series.
Topics: Animals; Breeding; Cat Diseases; Cats; Communicable Diseases; Dystocia; Female; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Pyometra; Reproduction
PubMed: 35209770
DOI: 10.1177/1098612X221079708 -
Reproduction & Fertility Apr 2021Effects of conservative treatment on uterine blood flow and morphometric findings are still unknown in bitches. Thus, this study aimed to compare uterine changes of...
UNLABELLED
Effects of conservative treatment on uterine blood flow and morphometric findings are still unknown in bitches. Thus, this study aimed to compare uterine changes of pyometra bitches subjected to distinct modes of treatment. Pyometra bitches were assigned to: OHE (ovariohysterectomy immediately after diagnosis), Aglepristone (days 1, 2 and 8) and Associative (aglepristone treatment coupled with cloprostenol for 7 days) groups. After 9 days, bitches were ovariohysterectomized. Before surgery, uterine area was measured ultrasonographically and the uterine artery Doppler velocimetry analyzed blood flow velocity and indexes. Uterine horns were classified according to resistance index (RI) as more compromised and less compromised. Endometrial vasculature was quantitatively evaluated by color flow Doppler. Blood samples were collected to determine nitric oxide (NO) concentrations. Histological uterine structures were quantified by stereology and VEGF-A (vascular endothelial growth factor) and eNOS were (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) immunohistochemically analyzed. Aglepristone and Associative groups had lower uterine area and vascularization, and higher blood flow velocity and indexes compared to OHE group. Less compromised horn of Associative group had higher blood flow velocity compared to OHE group. Aglepristone group presented lower inflammatory infiltrate and larger uterine stroma. Associative group had lower volume density and absolute surface of endometrial cysts and lower VEGF-A expression for glandular epithelium and stromal cells. Blood NO and e-NOS immunostaining were not different among groups. In conclusion, association between aglepristone and prostaglandin is more effective in decreasing uterine vascularization and modulating uterine blood flow. Moreover, associative therapy promotes marked morphological changes.
LAY SUMMARY
This research compared two medical protocols of treatment for uterine infection (pyometra) in bitches, using a hormone blocker (anti-progesterone aglepristone) solely or in association with a uterine contraction inducer (prostaglandin; associative therapy). After treatment, bitches were gonadectomized and a microscopic analysis of uterine blood vessel formation and uterine tissue elements were performed as well as uterine blood flow evaluation through Doppler ultrasonography. According to vascular resistance, uterine horns were additionally classified as more compromised and less compromised. Both treatment protocols led to reduction of uterine dimensions and vascularization, and higher blood flow compared to untreated bitches. Less compromised uterine horn of the associative treatment had higher blood flow compared to untreated bitches. The hormone blocker treatment had lower inflammatory cells and larger uterine histological structure, while associative treatment had less uterine pathological cysts and lower blood vessel formation. The associative therapy is effective in decreasing uterine vascularization and modulating uterine blood flow as well as reestablishing endometrium structure in bitches with uterine infection.
Topics: Animals; Cysts; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Endometritis; Female; Hormones; Humans; Pregnancy; Progestins; Prostaglandins; Pyometra; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
PubMed: 35128446
DOI: 10.1530/RAF-20-0020 -
Animal Reproduction Science Mar 2022The most common uterine diseases affecting bitches are cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) and pyometra. The neuropeptide phoenixin (PNX) and its receptor (GPR173) are...
The most common uterine diseases affecting bitches are cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) and pyometra. The neuropeptide phoenixin (PNX) and its receptor (GPR173) are potential key factors involved in the proliferative and inflammatory regulation of the reproductive system in females. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of PNX and GPR173 by qPCR, western blot and immunofluorescence assays in the endometrium of bitches suffering from CEH or pyometra compared to clinically healthy females. Additionally, PNX and progesterone (P4) plasma concentrations were analysed. The results showed a significantly lower expression levels of PNX and GPR173 (mRNA and protein production) in bitches with the CEH or pyometra groups compared to healthy animals. Immunofluorescence staining examination also confirmed a lower concentration of PNX and GPR173 signals in bitches with pathological uteri. Moreover, a lower concentration of PNX blood levels in bitches suffering from pyometra was observed. The PNX concentration was negatively correlated with P4 but only in healthy bitches. These results illustrate that the development of canine uterine disorders may cause a lower expression of PNX and its receptor GPR173.
Topics: Animals; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Endometrial Hyperplasia; Endometrium; Female; Neuropeptides; Pyometra; Uterus
PubMed: 35121414
DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.106931 -
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine Mar 2022Prolonged antimicrobial drug (AMD) treatment is associated with antimicrobial resistance development. Biomarker measurement may aid treatment decision-making.
BACKGROUND
Prolonged antimicrobial drug (AMD) treatment is associated with antimicrobial resistance development. Biomarker measurement may aid treatment decision-making.
OBJECTIVES
Investigate temporal changes in blood biomarker concentrations in dogs undergoing treatment for pulmonary and intra-abdominal infections; compare time to biomarker concentration normalization with duration of clinician-directed AMD treatment.
ANIMALS
Forty-two client-owned dogs with pneumonia (n = 22), septic peritonitis (n = 10), or pyometra (n = 10).
METHODS
Plasma concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin, procalcitonin, nucleosomes, cell-free DNA (cfDNA), high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1), CC-motif chemokine ligand-2 (CCL2), CXC-motif chemokine ligand-8 (CXCL8), and keratinocyte chemoattractant-like (KC-Like) were quantitated in samples collected on days 1, 3, 7, 14, 28, and 60. Treatment was directed by clinicians blinded to biomarker concentrations.
RESULTS
Concentrations of CCL2, CRP, and KC-Like were maximal on D1, concentrations of SAA, cfDNA, HMGB1, and nucleosomes were maximal on D3 and haptoglobin concentrations were maximal on D7. These maximal concentrations were significantly different from those on D60. Concentrations of CRP and SAA decreased by 80% from peak and into respective reference intervals before AMDs were discontinued. For CRP, the median (interquartile range [IQR]) times to 20% peak and normal were 7 (6-9) and 7 (6-12) days, respectively, and for SAA they were 4 (4, 5) and 6 (5-8) days, respectively, compared to a median (IQR) duration of AMD prescribing of 16 (12-23) days (all P < .0001).
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE
Biomarker concentrations normalized within 7 to 14 days. Serial measurements of CRP and SAA might aid identification of disease resolution and could help guide AMD prescription decision-making.
Topics: Animals; Biomarkers; C-Reactive Protein; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Peritonitis; Pneumonia; Pyometra; Serum Amyloid A Protein
PubMed: 35103342
DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16374 -
Australian Veterinary Journal May 2022Bovine trichomoniasis, caused by the protozoal parasite Tritrichomonas foetus, is a highly contagious venereal disease characterised by early pregnancy loss, abortion...
Bovine trichomoniasis, caused by the protozoal parasite Tritrichomonas foetus, is a highly contagious venereal disease characterised by early pregnancy loss, abortion and pyometra. Persistently infected bulls and cows are the primary reservoirs of infection in infected herds. This research investigated the prevalence of T. foetus infection in bulls from properties located across northern Australia and New South Wales. Preputial samples were collected from 606 bulls at slaughter and tested for T. foetus using the VetMAX-Gold Trich Detection Kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific). The apparent prevalence of T. foetus infection varied between regions, with northern regions in the Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia showing a prevalence of 15.4%, 13.8% and 11.4%, respectively. There was some evidence of an association between infection and postcode (P = 0.06) and increasing bull age (P = 0.054). This study confirms that T. foetus infection is likely to be present in many beef breeding herds and contributing to lower than expected reproductive performance, particularly across northern Australia.
Topics: Abattoirs; Abortion, Veterinary; Animals; Cattle; Cattle Diseases; Female; Male; Northern Territory; Pregnancy; Prevalence; Protozoan Infections, Animal; Tritrichomonas foetus
PubMed: 35080007
DOI: 10.1111/avj.13149 -
Veterinary Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) 2021Reproduction is a vital necessity for effective livestock production, and its productivity depends on the normal structure and function of the genital organs.
BACKGROUND
Reproduction is a vital necessity for effective livestock production, and its productivity depends on the normal structure and function of the genital organs.
METHODS
A study was carried out to characterize gross pathological lesions and identify aerobic bacteria from reproductive organ disorders of slaughtered she-camels () in the Fafen zone of the Somali Regional States of Ethiopia. All the available reproductive organ (50) samples were considered during sampling and cultured bacteriologically using a standard procedure.
RESULTS
Accordingly, eighteen out of fifty female dromedary camels (36%, 18/50) were found to have gross pathological lesions on the genitalia, including acute metritis (10%), pyometra (8%), cervicitis (6%), vaginitis (4%), follicular cysts (4%), inactive/hypoplastic ovaries (2%) and vaginal lymphocytic masses (2%). Based on the anatomical distribution of reproductive tract lesions, uterine abnormalities were the most frequently observed lesions (18%, 9/50), followed by cervicovaginal abnormalities (12%, 6/50) and ovarian abnormalities (6%, 3/50). In addition, eight different species of bacteria were identified from the sampled reproductive organs: 29 (58%) from the uterus, 7 (14%) from the cervix, 7 (14%) from the vagina, 4 (8%) from the udder, and 3 (6%) from the ovary. Of the total isolated bacteria, coagulase-negative species 25 (50%), 18 (36%), 12 (24%), species 11 (22%), species 6 (12%), species 8 (16%), species 2 (4%) and species 1 (2%) were the most commonly identified bacterial species.
CONCLUSION
The study revealed that gross lesions of reproductive tracts and their bacterial isolates are prevalent in female dromedary camels. The role of each reproductive tract lesion and bacterial isolate as causes of reproductive failure in camels requires further investigation.
PubMed: 35004263
DOI: 10.2147/VMRR.S348127 -
Clinical and Experimental Emergency... Dec 2021
PubMed: 35000363
DOI: 10.15441/ceem.20.036 -
Veterinary Sciences Oct 2021An 8.5-year-old intact female lion () with a history of vomiting, lethargy, and anorexia was referred to our institution. On physical examination, the lion weighed 180...
An 8.5-year-old intact female lion () with a history of vomiting, lethargy, and anorexia was referred to our institution. On physical examination, the lion weighed 180 kg and had a rectal temperature of 40 °C. Blood analysis showed mild neutrophilic leukocytosis, and abdominal ultrasonography revealed an enlarged uterus with echogenic fluid. Based on the clinical signs and hematologic and ultrasonographic findings, the lion was tentatively diagnosed with pyometra. Ovariohysterectomy was performed using the lateral flank approach to avoid complications that can occur with ventral celiotomy. Surgery was performed successfully despite unexpected rupture of the uterus which had occurred before the surgery. The lion recovered uneventfully and continued to do well at the 1 year follow up after surgery. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of ovariohysterectomy with the lateral flank approach in a lion with pyometra. Our report suggests that ovariohysterectomy with the lateral flank approach could be considered as an alternative method for pyometra in wild big cats with risk of complications at the surgical site.
PubMed: 34822618
DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8110245